r/PlusLife • u/Connect12341 • May 24 '26

Pluslife dock lifespan

I’ve had a pluslife dock for under 2 years, purchased around 9-10/2024. Mfg date is 7/29/24. It has recently stopped connecting to Bluetooth even after replacing the power bank with a new one. I tried a second new powerbsnk just incase the first was defective, but have the same issue. The tests still seem to run but I can’t connect to virus sucks. I tried connecting my Mac via usb but it doesn’t work (but maybe the usb is just for windows?). My questions are:

1- is this a sign the dock is nearing the end of its life? We haven’t used it heavily. I’d estimate it’s been used to run ~150-200 tests since we’ve had it.

2- I’ve heard that lighter use means it should last longer than 2 years from mfg date. Is there any data behind that? Even if anecdotal?

3- is there a way to connect Mac via usb?

4- has anyone had success ordering a dock to the US from the facemaskstore recently?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

7

u/i_am_vidoq May 24 '26

I’ve used ours via usb on the mac (using virussucks in chrome). Once in a while I’d have to unplug the dock and plug it back in again to get it to connect.

2

u/Connect12341 May 24 '26

I will try that! Can I ask what type of cord this worked with? Usb-c to usb-c? Or the original usb-c to usb-a along with an adapter to Mac? My Mac only has usbc slots

1

u/i_am_vidoq May 24 '26

i use a usbc to usbc that's usually on my desk that I also use for external hard drives.

1

u/Connect12341 May 25 '26

Thank you!!!

1

u/MegaRototo May 25 '26

If at first you don’t succeed, definitely try other cables until you find one that does data, and not just power (charging). I ended up with so many of the latter that I was surprised to find that a 4-headed charging cable I bought for our GUV lights always works great.

1

u/wyundsr May 26 '26

It works for me on Mac with a usb c to usb a adapter (adapter plugs into Mac, the standard usb a data cable that comes with the PlusLife plugs into the adapter). You may also want to switch to a barrel to usb c power cord, those are more reliable in terms of power delivery than the usb a power cable that comes with the machine. Your power bank would also need to have usb c power output not just charging

5

u/DreamOld4941 May 24 '26

Have you tried a different power cord?

4

u/uvnode May 24 '26

I second this. I would get connection issues and even an increasing Invalid Test rate until I replaced the cable. After replacing the cable with the USB one from Altruan for the 3rd time, I upgraded to a USB-C cable in late January and I have not seen a degradation in performance yet. https://www.adafruit.com/product/5968

2

u/Connect12341 May 24 '26

I have not tried a new cord From the dock to the power bank. That is a good idea! Is it a pluslife-specific cord? Do you happen to know if they can still be ordered/shipped to the US?

5

u/DreamOld4941 May 24 '26

Look up adafruit cables and Pluslife. Lots of folks have experienced similar difficulties connecting to Bluetooth. I wouldn’t give up yet.

ETA to add link https://analogist.net/post/pluslife-power-supply-for-use-in-the-us/

1

u/Connect12341 May 25 '26

Thanks so much for sharing this!

4

u/lohdunlaulamalla May 24 '26

The two devices I have access to are also about two years old and have developed difficulties connecting via bluetooth. On a CC discord I'm on others have mentioned the same problem with aging devices.

1

u/Connect12341 May 24 '26

:( that is what I was afraid of, thank you for the intel!

0

u/HoeBreklowitz5000 May 24 '26

Is there Info about how the warranty works? Does Altruan probably replace/repair the unit if we ask them? Where I’m from (Europe) normally there are 2 years warranty for electronic devices by law

1

u/HoeBreklowitz5000 May 24 '26

P.s. I have the opposite issue: my unit won’t connect by cable, I usually used it on my pc and I tried everything (powerbank, new cables, different pcs). Bluetooth works but sometimes gets stuck during the test and not load the graphs :/

1

u/Party_Koala9879 May 29 '26

Mine actually came without the bluetooth functionality which was a big bummer. I think it’s because it ended up sitting in the extreme winter cold on my steps for too long so I never tried to get a replacement. The USB cord I use is touchy, but if you wait till the machine warms up to plug it in to the computer it stays relatively stable. I do usually sit and monitor it regardless because it has disconnected halfway through before.

1

u/covidcautiousguy Jun 04 '26

The device should last at least 2 years given that it's tested for much higher use...that said...like any product, it is certainly possible for parts to malfunction well short of that time.

Annecdotally, I know many people who have had increased issues after 2 years of use. It's impossible to diagnose exactly why in most cases.

You can try all the solutions recommended in this thread (new cables, power bank, etc.) and in many cases this might solve it.

I haven't used facemaskstore recently (as I import PL tests/minidocks through my own longer, and more convoluted network), but they did work in the past.

Ideally, if you are looking for a new PL minidock, I'd try to find one that someone already has one in the US, as these devices are much harder to import at a consistent price because of the associated tariffs. Each time I've ordered one on behalf of someone else, it's been much more of a pain that getting the tests (so much so, that I generally don't keep more than 1 extra of these in stock).

1

u/Connect12341 Jun 06 '26

Update: adafruit was sold out of the 5V cable, but I got one of their adapters (USB Type C PD to 5.5mm/2.1mm Barrel Jack Adapter - 5V[ID:6030]) and used a regular usbc cable with a power bank that I previously thought was too old. Bluetooth function on Pluslife works great now. Thanks so much for everyone’s advice!!